Heroic Characters

Both player characters and higher level NPCs can augment the work force considerably. This is due primarily to their greater experience and worldliness, as well as their generally higher determination. After all, these special people have proven themselves to be far more than just the average citizen, otherwise they wouldn’t be heroes!

As a rule, any non-magic using character will be able to do the work of one man for every level that he or she has attained. For example, a 6th level thief can do the work of six normal laborers. It is assumed that the thief need not be an actual part of the work force, but is acting in a supporting role by obtaining good prices for items and making sure that the local bandits and crime syndicates do not interfere with the project.

Characters who are able to use magic can be of tremendous help when it comes to building a castle. After all, consider the benefits of a stone shape spell or a wish spell when construction is in progress. In order to simplify matters, any spell using character who is a part of the construction force counts as one laborer for each level that they have attained. In addition, they count for one man for each spell level that they can cast in a given day. Be sure to include any bonus spells for wisdom that a priest might be entitled to.

For example, a 5th level wizard would be able to do the work of 16 men. He counts as five men because of his basic level. In addition, he can throw four 1st level spells in a day (which counts as four more workers), two 2nd level spells (which counts as four more workers), and one 3rd level spell (which counts as three workers).

The importance of magic in castle construction should not be underestimated, as a 20th level wizard can do the work of over 180 normal men! While player characters are free to work on a project, DMs should make the recruitment of high level NPCs an expensive hireling who, more than likely, will require an adventure to recruit.